After giving birth, many women find that their bodies are not the same as before. A big belly and thick thighs are common. So how can new mothers lose weight after childbirth? Here are a few methods to try!
1. Seize the best time for weight loss
During the first 6 months after childbirth, the mother's hormones rapidly return to normal levels and the metabolism speeds up. This is the best period for weight loss.
If you can return to your pre-pregnancy weight within these 6 months, the average weight gain in the following 8-10 years will be 2.4 kg per year. If you can't control your weight, the average weight gain will be 8.3 kg.
So new mothers must seize this golden period.
2. Eat more nutritious food
When losing weight, it's important to reduce fat intake. Excessive consumption of high sugar and high fat foods that cannot be burned off will lead to fat accumulation. However, other nutrients should not be reduced and should even be increased, such as protein, vitamins, and minerals.
It is recommended for new mothers to eat more lean beef, lean lamb, eggs, and dairy products which are high in protein, and eat less staple foods, sweets, and greasy soups. Increase the intake of coarse grains and fresh fruits and vegetables. Use less oil when cooking and choose steaming and boiling over frying and stir-frying.
3. Favor "fat-burning foods"
In order to burn fat, our metabolism needs various "catalysts" such as minerals, vitamins, and proteins, which can accelerate the fat burning process.
The most commonly used natural "fat-burning" agents include: trace element iodine, which produces a hormone through the thyroid gland that can inhibit the production of fat. Kelp, seaweed, and various types of fish are the best choices for iodine supplementation. Calcium, a mineral that can resist excess fat accumulation. Choose to eat more dairy products and soy products.
4. Eat 5 small meals a day
Eating smaller meals more frequently can speed up the body's metabolism, which is a good method for scientific weight loss.
The daily meals can be divided into 5 portions. For example, each main meal should provide 430 calories, and at 10 am and 3 pm, eat some foods with 150 calories each. This way, more fat will be burned.
5. Exercise as much as possible
Any movement is better than no movement! Walking more, doing household chores, doing aerobics, pilates, and yoga are all good choices.
Moderate physical activity does not affect breastfeeding and can help with weight loss.
Don't worry that exercise will make the breast milk sour. As long as the intensity is not too high, the body will not produce too much lactic acid, and lactic acid is harmless to the baby.
6. Drink 8 cups of water a day
Drinking water can promote the body's metabolism and help eliminate toxins. Drink 8 cups of water a day, or judge based on personal urination. Basically, as long as the urine is light yellow, it is within the normal range. If it is too concentrated, it means that the water intake is insufficient.
7. Use postpartum shapewear
Postpartum shapewear can effectively help women regain their pre-pregnancy shape and achieve weight loss. It is recommended that mothers who want to look good choose shapewear that is not too tight or too loose. Shapewear that is too tight or too loose can affect circulation and compress the lymph nodes, leading to edema. When choosing shapewear, new mothers must consider their own physical condition and not blindly pursue weight loss.
